Residents using app as crime fighting tool

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ST LOUIS, MO (KTVI)-- Homeowners say a simple app on your cell phone can make a big difference when it comes to knowing what`s going on in your neighborhood. Sarah Pritt has lived in her Clifton Heights home for more than 6 yearsand she`s always in the loop when it comes to what happens on her street. Pritt and others took their neighborhood watch efforts to another level by joining Nextdoor, a free private social network to keep them connected. Nextdoor just released a new app for smartphones to make communication easier for users.

"If someone sees something suspicious they can quickly share the information. A couple of months ago we had some home break-ins and people were more alert what was going on. The app is more convenient it`s actually like Facebook, it`s easy to read," Pritt said.

According to the company, there are more than 129 neighborhoods in the St. Louis area using the free network and Clifton Heights is in the top five with 250 verified members.
Users are verified by phone call and post cards to make sure they`re attached to the right people in their group.

At this point Pritt is planning to get her parents signed up and will spread the word to other neighbors.